"What Have You Done For Me Lately?"

Yes, that's a title from a song, it's also a question I'd like to answer.

Some of you have been getting e-mail from our group, Auburn Progress Initiative, for some time. Others may have gotten an orange card in the mail about the sign ordinance. Even if you haven't heard about us, we've been working for you and Auburn.

Auburn Progress Initiative's main purpose is to promote business and development in the City of Auburn. We have been working over the last two years to try to make a difference in the Zoning Ordinance changes that have been ongoing for all that time. We've been vocal in the following areas:

• Participated in the re-write of the Landscape Ordinance - we first had to fight to be a part of this process
• Attend all Planning Commission & City Council meetings - speak out for business when needed
• Attend quarterly meetings with City staff and the Development Community
• Review all proposed City Ordinance revisions and Subdivision Regulations
• Participated in the Urban Core Task Force process and subsequent public hearings
• Participated in most recent City elections to support business minded candidates
• Integral in getting the sign ordinance delayed and re-visited
• Integral in getting the 7 mil tax increase proposal for the schools phased in over time
• Prevented a Planning Commissioner from being wrongfully removed

All of this to promote the continued success of business and development in and around Auburn.

For more info on API, send us an e-mail at More Info Request.

Planning Commission Special Meeting - July 26th, 5:00 pm

Things have heated up again this Summer. (It seems that a lot of things go on during the Summer when folks are out of town.) The Planning Commission has been working regularly on more revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. These proposed revisions involve amending and expanding the Table of Permitted Use, adding Special Development Standards for various permitted and conditional uses, creating the University Service - 2 (US-2) zoning district, and updating the City's Street Classification system.

The packet can be found at this Link.

Also, at this meeting the Planning Commission will review and adopt changes to the City's Subdivision Regulations specifically related to alleys and alley design standards and the Subdivision Bonding process.

Some of these changes are positive. Some are not. But, there is power in numbers. We'd like for all of those who can to read through the proposed changes and come and speak out about them, positively or negatively. (I know, the packet is 28 pages long, but this affects all of our business in Auburn in some way or another.)

Some examples of how these changes affect us are:

1. The new US-2 zone is created to restrict commercial uses and lower the density (from 34 units/acre to 24) and change the angle of light setback.
2. All multi-family developments will require one additional parking space for every 10 bedrooms for visitor parking
3. Bicycle parking will be required for multi-family developments
4. 50 percent of the buildings will require a front entrance to the street, with few exceptions.
5. Common open space shall be a "focal point of the development" and be a "meaningful quality open space."
6. Dumpster placements must be screened 6' high and the material will have to match the building style and materials
7. Changing the classification of streets affects the minimum curb cut spacing allowed as the street is developed.

The Planning Commission's Special Called Meeting is Thursday, July 26th, 5:00 pm at the City Council chambers at 141 N. Ross St.